Raccoon On His Own by Jim Arnosky (Picture Puffin Books)

When a baby raccoon takes an unexpected solo ride on an abandoned dugout canoe, being separated from his family is scary at first. But once he realizes the canoe offers security from scary creatures like snakes and alligators, he becomes brave and adventurous. He chatters with the warblers, reaches for the turtles, and takes comfort in his own reflection. All the while, mother is nearby with his two siblings, waiting for the time when he can come back to them. Whether it's the first day of kindergarten or a sleepover with grandparents, children will recognize all the apprehension, magic and discovery of being on their own for the very first time.

Acclaimed for his picture books that speak directly to young naturalists, Jim Arnosky enjoys researching different ecological areas with his wife, Deanna. His many awards and honors include the Washington Post--Children's Book Guild Award for overall contribution to nonfiction for children and the Eva L. Gordon Award for outstanding children's science literature. He has also written and illustrated numerous ALA Notable Books and Outstanding Science Books. Home base for the Arnoskys is a two-hundred-year-old farmhouse in northern Vermont. Their daughters and their families live nearby.

Unrated Critic Reviews for Raccoon On His Own

Kirkus Reviews

The raccoon’s trip takes him—and young readers—past a microcosm of swamp wildlife both malignant and benign, including snakes, an alligator, a family of mergansers, and a bevy of wading birds, as all the while the raccoon’s family paces his progress from the shore.